Launching a Career in Trades: Inside Charles Plummer’s Internship Experience
July 22, 2026
Charles Plummer IV is one of the newest interns in the Trades Task Force Program—an initiative administered by the Division of Capitol Square Services (DCSS) that gives young adults hands-on experience in skilled trades and opens pathways into maintenance and technical careers. His journey reflects the DGS’s commitment to workforce development and preparing the next generation of trades professionals across the Commonwealth.
The Trades Task Force Program, launched in March 2026 after development began in April 2025, was created to strengthen recruitment among young adults with limited trade experience by connecting them with professionals across electrical, plumbing, and HVAC disciplines. Interns are exposed to both journey-level and master-certified tradespeople, giving them a variety of knowledge.
When Charles Plummer IV had the opportunity to join the task force program, he wasn’t sure what to expect. What he found was an opportunity to be surrounded by a community of mentors, peers, and opportunities that helped him turn his curiosity into skill.
Charles discovered the program after his supervisor, Harry Shingleton, visited the Advanced Career Education (ACE) Center at Hermitage, where high school students receive hands-on training in multiple career pathways.
Over the last few months, interns Charles and Alejandro Vazquez have gained valuable hands-on experience from seasoned industry professionals while continuing their studies. Charles began his internship under the supervision of Marc Veuhoff and quickly started applying what he learned in the field. His work has ranged from installing receptacles to changing air-handling units, giving him a well-rounded introduction to multiple trades and meaningful practical experience.
Charles notes that the program hasn’t just taught him technical skills; it has also helped him build professionalism, communication, and strong work habits. He’s learned how to manage his time effectively, communicate with confidence, and take pride in the quality of his work—preparing him not only for immediate job opportunities but also for a long-term career in the skilled trades.
Thanks to the dedicated mentors with DCSS, the Trades Task Force Program is helping students like Charles turn their curiosity into a career. By providing hands-on experience and meaningful mentorship, the initiative is shaping the next generation of skilled professionals ready to build and innovate across the Commonwealth.